Well Caps fans we are through to the second round in less than 7 games for the first time since the 97-98 season. The Capitals triumphed over the Rangers Saturday 3-1 to complete the series in five games. Washington outplayed New York for all three periods with Michal Neuvirth having another stellar performance. Neuvy saved 26 of 27 shots and let only one squeeze by in the final minute of the game. I think we finally have our goalie for the playoffs!
Mike Green started the scoring on the power play when he jammed the puck past Lundqvist for his first goal of the series. Unfortunately he left the game later on after taking a shot to the face on a shot block. Greener would return to the bench, but would not play again in the game. Then in the second period, the life was taken out of the Rangers with a stunning Oviesque goal by none other than Alex Ovechkin. Ovi held off Marc Staal only to bury a backhander in for a 2-0 lead. Alex Semin would put the cap on the first round series with a nice onetime goal from Marcus Johansson.
Now let’s go to the 5 keys to the series that I stated were vital in winning the series. Also your very own Caps Daily predicted that the Caps would take the series in five. PROPS!!!!!!
1. Ovi. The best player in the universe displayed his talents in round one logging a series leading 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists). His hitting and speed played a key role in opening up the New York defense for several goals. Alex is definitely up for the task of Lord Stanley and is off to a great start.
2. Goaltending. After the five games of the series rookie goaltender, Neuvirth is second in the NHL in save percentage (.946) and GAA (1.38). He kept the Caps in the series with some monumental saves every game. We won two games with only scoring two goals. Thank you Neuvy!
3. Veterans. Of course the seasoned vets helped out in this series. Scott Hannan continues to get better and lead the way on the penalty kill. He also had a +3 ice rating and logged one assist in the series. Jason Arnott and Jason Chimera also scored game changing points for the Caps using their experience to advantage. Chimmy had two goals in the series both of them being game winners for Washington.
4. Carlzner. If you look at their plus/minus than you probably think these two had a bead series. Despite a few mistakes they played pretty well against the Rangers, but hey they’re rookies. Carlson and Alzner could be thanked for shutting down Gaborik and New York’s other starts who they matched up against for most of the series.
5. Garbage goals. Possible the most important of the five keys was garbage goals. List of memorable GG’s
· Game 1- Ovi ties it late in the third to keep game alive.
· Game 4- Semin starts the comeback
· Game 4- Johansson scores off Carlson shot by crashing the net. Ties the game.
· Game 4- Finally Chimera’s winner in OT doesn’t get more garbage-can like.
The Capitals now look on to round two as they wait for their opponent to finish, whoever that may be. They will have plenty of rest because their soonest possible game will be this Friday. Hopefully this time off will give guys time to heal such as: Mike Knuble (missed Game 4, 5), Tom Poti (missed series, should return), Mike Green (left game 5 early), Dennis Wideman (could make return earlier than expected). I am sure the Caps are already finished celebrating and are focusing on the task at hand. Right now it’s not about who we play, but it is how we take that momentum from round one and use it to our advantage whenever round two begins. Yesterday I couldn’t have been happier with my team while I was rocking the red and smiling, but I am not satisfied. Saturday was a just a taste of the experience we crave which is the Stanley Cup. Congrats on the first round and let’s move on boys. Rock the Red!
In Ovi We Trust
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